Drain valve



Patented Sept. 17, 1929 i f l A f UNITED STATES PATENT OFFICEy ROBERT H. GEORGE, OF BROKLAWN, NEW JERSEY DRAN .VALV'E` Application filed February 23, 192:7'. Serial No. 170,116.-

My invention relates to drain valves for portion also preferably frusto-conical' in steam apparatus and the like, and it relates shape, complemental to the bottom 8 of the more particularly to that type of automatic chamber 7. drain valve which permits the water of con- The top of the chamber 7 is closed by'means 5 densation to flow from the steam apparatus, of a bonnet 11, which is preferably threaded the valve being spring suspended and in use in the upper end of the casing 6, a. packing being normally held on its seat, against the washer 12 being provided and interposed to tension of the suspending spring, by live seal the joint between the bonnet 11 andthe steam pressure, the same also serving as a recasing 6. y y

io lief valve in the event of any abnormal pres- A bolt 18 is threaded in the top of the bon- `60 sure existing in the working chambers of the net 11', extending therethrough and' being steam apparatus which the valve is adapted provided at its inner end with an eye 14 for to drain. the attachment of one end of a spring 15, The principal object of my present invenwhich is provided for supporting the valve 15 tion is to provide an improved form of valve member 9 in the manner to be hereinafter 65 of the above mentioned type which will be more fully set forth. simple and efiicient in its action, and which The top of the bonnet 11 is provided' with is so constructed and arranged as to render a stufiing'box 16, containing suitable packing more certain the necessary Ereedom of action 17, which surrounds the bolt 13 and serves to of the valve member proper, to the end that prevent leakage of the live steam where the 70 the same may function properly at all times. bolt 13 passes through the top of the bonnet With the foregoing object in view, my in- 11. A gland 18 is threaded into the stuffing vention contemplates certain improved debox 16, serving to confine and compress the tails of construction, as will be hereinafter packing 17 therein. set forth. The lower end of the spring 15 engages the 75 The nature and characteristic features of eye portion 19 of a pin 20. lIhe pin 2O has my invention will be more readily understood an enlarged head 21, which is confined within from the following description, taken in conthe body of the valve member 9 by means of nection with the accompanying drawings a sleeve 22, which is secured in a complemenforming part hereof, in which: tal recess in the lower portion of the valve 80 Figure 1 is a vertical central sectional view member 9, either by a forced fit or by threadof a drain valve embodying the main feaing the same therein. The sleeve 22, while tures of my present invention, the valve being confining the head 21 of the pin 20 within the shown in the raised or elevated position asbody portion of the valve member 9, will at sumed when the live steam supply is shut off; the same time permit rotative movement of 85 Fig. 2 is a transverse section thereof, taken the valve member with respect to the pin 20,

on the line 2-2 of Fig. 1; and consequently with respect to the spring Fig. 3 is a horizontal section, taken ap- 15, therebyV permittinguthe valve member to proximately on the line 3-3 of Fig. 1; rotate within the chamber 7 of the casing 6,

Fig. et is a horizontal section, taken apto insure even wear of the coacting surfaces 9Q proximately on the line le-4 of Fig. 2; and of the valve member and seat.

Fig. 5 is a side elevation of the valve mem- The body of the valve member 9 is preferber proper. ably made of a diameter slightlyr smaller than Referringtotbe drawings, in the particuthat of the chamber 7 of the casing 6. EX-

larA embodiment of my invention therein tendingupwardly `from the body portion of shown,6is an integral cup-shaped casing havthe valve member 9 isa cage-like structure ing an internal chamber 7, the bottom 8 of comprising a plurality of arms 23, extending which is preferably frusto-conical in shape to upwardly from the body portion of the valve form a seat for the valve member 9, which is member and connected at their upper ends by mounted in the chamber 7 and has its under an annulus 24. l 100 The cage-like structure, comprising the arms 23 and annulus 2e, is of such external diameter as to make a sliding tit with the surface of chamber 7. The cage-like structure provided above the valve member 9 extends upwardly a distance suiiici ent for the same to Contact with the lower internal portion of the bonnet 11, and thus limit the upward movement of the valve member, so as to locate the same properly in its uppermost position.

Extending externally from the side wall of the casing 6 is a threaded nipple 25, having al port or passageway 26 which communicates with the upper portion of the valve chamber (see Fig. 2) above the body portion of the valve member. The connection nipple 25, in the use of the device, is adapted to be connected by suitable piping` (not shown) to the steam chest or other similar portion of the steam engine or other apparatus in connection with which the valve is used.

Extending externally from the lower portion of the casing 6 are one or more connection nipples 27, each provided with a port or passageway 28, extending to the frustoconical seatportion 8 of the valve chamber 7. The ports or passageways 28 have no upward extensions whereby water could accumulate therein 'and be frozen, and thus close the ports.

The ports 28 are adapted to be closed by the valve member 9 when the same is in its lowermost or seated position. rlhe connection nipples 27 are adapted to be connected by means of suitable piping (not shown to the respective ends of the steam cylinc er of the engine, or the corresponding portions of similar apparatus.

It should be noted that, in the embodiment of my invention shown in the drawings, there are provided two of the connection nipples 27, oppositely disposed in alinement with each other, but it will be readily understood that in some instances, for use in connection with other kinds of apparatus, a greater or smaller number of such connection nipples may be provided if desired, without departing from the spirit of my invention, as will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art.

Projecting downwardly from the bottom of the casing 6 is a connection nipple 29, having an internal passageway 30 which extends from the bottom of the internal chamber 7. The nipple 29 is adapted to be connected to a drain pipe for carrying away the water of condensation which is permitted to pass through the device. Y

The operation of the device may now be explained. When the steam engine, or other apparatus in connection with which the device is used, is not in operation, and the live steam supply is cut off, the valve member 9 will be held in the raised or elevated position by means of the spring l5, as shown in Figs.

madera l and 2 of the drawings, the outwardly extending cage-like portion of the valve mem-- ber 9 serving to limit the upward movement thereof by contacting with the lower internal portion of the bonnet l1.

When the valve member is in the raised position as above set forth, any water of condensation which may collect in the steam chest will pass, by means of the piping (not shown) which extendsvfrom the steam chest of the engine, to the connection nipple 25, and will be permitted to pass above the body portion of the valve member 9, and thence through the clearance space provided between the sides of the body portion of the valve member and the side walls of the chamber 7, after which the same will pass through the passageway 30 of the connection nipple 29 to the drain. Also, when the valve member 9 is in this position, any water of condensation which may collect in the respective ends of the steam cylinder of the engine will be permitted to pass through the piping extendingtherefrom to the connection nipple 27, thence through the ports 28and through the passageway 30 to the drain.

lNhen, however, the live steam pressure is turned on in the engine, the initial flow of the steam through the device will cause the valve member 9 to be carried downward and seated upon the truste-conical seat 8, thereby closing the ports 28 as well as the passageway 30 which extends to the drain.

Subsequently, when the live steam supply is shut olf to stop the engine, the greater pressure which will exist for a short time, in the ends of the engine cylinder will cause the valve member 9 to be positively li ted from its seat, and to be held thereafter in the raised position by the spring l5.

When the valve member 9 is in the lower or closed position, the ports 28 will be closed against the normal pressures existing in the respective ends of the engine cylinder, but should any condensation water accumulate in the cylinder of the engine, the same will be forced through the piping and will cause the valve member 9 to be raised ,sufficiently to permit the same to escape through the passagewa)T 30 and thence to the drain, after which the valve member will again be seated and maintained on its seatby the live steam pressure on the upper surfaces thereof.

lt should be noted that, by reason of the provision of the cage-like portion of the valve member, which extends above the body portion thereof and is of such diameter as to provide a sliding lit within the chamber 7 of the casing 6, the valve member will be guided in its up and down movements, and tilting of the valve, which might cause the same to jam within the casing and thereby fail to function properly, will be effectively prevented. The valve member will preferably be so located with respect to the passageway :imam-e 26 of the connection nipple 2521s to permit the live steam to passtherefrom directlyinto the chamber 7 above thebody portion ofthe valve member, and thusy insure the proper closing of the ports 28 and drain'passageway 80 when the live steam is turned on in'thepor tion of the apparatus to which 'the connection nipple 25 is piped.

Having thus describedthenature andlehaiin acteristic features of my invention, what I claim as new and desire to secure by Letters Patent, is:

l. An automatic drain and relief lvalve comprising a cup-shaped casing vhaving an internal chamber the `bottom `of which `is shaped to form a seat, a lvalve member mountk ed in saidy chamber having its 'lower ysurface shaped complemental to the bottom of the chamber and adapted yto 4be seated thereon, said valve member having a cage-lilte structure above the body portion comprising a plurality of arms extending upwardly from the body portion ot the valve member t nd an annulus connecting the Aupper ends of said arms, said cage-'like structure 'being oi' such external diameter as to form a sliding fit in the internal ehamber,the body portion of the valve member being of a diameter slightly less than that of the internal chamber, a spring adapted to hold said valve member `in its raised position, a live steam connection having a port extending to the internal-Chamber, a pipe connection member having a port extending to the valve seat, and the casing having a downwardly extending passageway communicating with the interior of the casing at the bottom of the valve seat.

2. An automatic drain and relief valve f comprising a cup-shaped casing having an internal chamber the bottomoi whicli'is shaped `to form a seat, a valve member mounted in said chamber having its lowerlsuri'a'ee shaped complement-al to the bottom of the chamber and adapted to be seated thereon, said val-ve member having a cage-like structure above the body portion comprising a plurality of `arms extending upwardly from the body portion of the valve member and an annulus connecting the upper ends'of said arms, said cage-like structure being of such external diameter as to form a sliding tit inthe internal chamber, the body portion of the valve Vmember being of a diameter slightly less than that of the internal chamber, a spring adapted to hold said valve member in its raised'position7 a pipe connection member having a port extending to the internal chamber, a pipe connection member having aport extending to the valve seat, and the casing having a downwardly extending passageway communicating with the interior of the casing at the bottom of the valve seat. n

3. An automat-io drain and relief yvalve comprising a cup-shapedcasing having'an inrternalchamber the bottom ofwfhieh is shaped to Vform :a seat, a 4valvemember*mounted in said chamber havingfits lowersurface shaped eomplemental to thebottomofthenchamber and adaptedto be `seated thereon, saidvalve member v'having `a cage-like structure above the body lportion'comprising a pluralityo't "arms extending upwardly from the ybodyA `portion of the valvemember andanannulus con necting lthe upper ends lof lsaid warms, said eage-like structure being `ot such external i diameter asto It'orm a 4sliding fit in the internal chamber, the body portion of the valve member `beingot `a diameter slightly less than that of i the `internal chamber, ai spring adapted to hold said valvey `member yin its raisedpositioma pipe connection member extending from the side wall of lthecasingand having a port extending to the internal chamber, v a pluralityof pipe rconnection members extending from thelower portion `of the cask ing having ports extending to the valvexsea't,

and the casing having a downwardly extending passageway communicating withthe interior ot the casing at the bottom of the valve seat. v

` 4C. An automatic drain' and relief `valve comprising a cupshaped casing/having an internal chamber the bottom ofwhich is shaped to form a seat, avalve member mounted in said chamber having its lower surtacesh aped diameter as to form a sliding lit inthe internal chamber, the body portion of the valve member being of a diameter sli glitly less than that of the internal chamber, a bonnet mount ed in the upper portionofthe easing forming al'closure for the top of the chamber, a spring adapted -to hold said valve member yin its raised position, a jipe connection member having a port exten ing to the internal chamber, a pipe connection member having a port extending to the valveseat, 'andthe casing having a downwardlyk extending passageway communicating with fthe interior of thebasing at the bottom of the `valve seat.

5. An automatic drain and relief valve comprisinga cup-shaped casing havingan internal chamber 'the bottom of which `is shaped toform ay seat, a valve member mounted in said chamberhaving'its lowersuifac'e shaped complemental to the kbottomof the ychamber and adaptedfto be seated thereon,

saidlvalve member having a cage-,liliejstrucl ture above the body portion comprising afpluralitv of armsk extending upwardly from fthe 'bodyportion' of the valvemeinberland an annulus connectingftheupperfends of saridy sarms,-said cage-like structurewbemg. of such! external diameter as to form a sliding fit in the internal chamber, the body portion of the valve member being of a diameter slightly less than that of theinternal chamber., a bonnet mounted in the upper portion of the casing forming a closure for the top of the chamber, a spring adapted to hold said valve member in its raised position, a pipe connection member extending from the side wall of the casing and having a port extending to the internal chamber, aplurality of pipe connection members extending from the lower portion of the casing having ports extending to the valve seat, and the casing having a downwardly extending passageway communicating with the interior of the casing at the bottom of the valve seat.

6. An automaticv drain and relief valve comprising a cup-shaped casing having an internal chamber the bottom of which is shaped to form a seat, a valve member mounted in said chamber having its lower surface shaped complemental to the bottom of the chamber and adapted to be seated thereon, said valve member having a cage-like structure above the body portion comprising a plurality of arms extending upwardly from the body portion of the valve member and an annulus connecting the upper ends of said arms, said cage-like structure being of such external diameter as to form a a sliding fit in the internal chamber, the body portion of the valve member being of a diameter slightly less than that of the internal chamber, a bonnet mounted in the upper portion of the casing forming a closure for the top of the chamber, a spring adapted to hold said valve member in its raised position, means for adjustably connecting one end of said spring to the bonnet, means for rotatively connecting the other end of said spring to the valve member, a pipe connection member having a port extending to the internal chamber, a pipe connection member having a port passing directly to the valve seat without upward extensions, and the casing having a. downwardly extending passageway communicating with the interior of the casing at the bottom of the valve seat.

7. An automatic drainV and relief valve comprising a cup-shaped casing having an internal chamber the bottom of which is shaped to form a seat, a valve member mounted in said chamber having its lower surface shaped complemental to the bottom of the chamber and adapted to be seated thereon, said valve member having a cage-like struc` ture above the body portion comprising a plurality of arms extending upwardly from the body portion of the valve member and an annulus connecting the upper ends of said arms, said cage-like structure being of such external diameter as to form a sliding fit in the internal chamber, the body portion of the valve member being of a diameter slightly less than that of the internal chamber, a bonnet mounted in the upper portion of the casing 4forming a closure for the top of the chamber, a spring adapted to hold said valve member in its raised position, means for adjustably connecting one end of said spring to the bonnet, means for rotatively connecting the other end of said spring to the valve member, a pipe connection member on the side wall of the casing and having a port extending to the internal chamber, a plurality of pipe connection members on the lower portion of the casing having ports passing directly to the valve seat without upward extensions, and the casing having a downwardly extending passageway communicating with the interior of the casing at the bottom of the valve seat.

8.k An automatic drain and relief valve comprising a cup-shaped casing having an internal chamber the bottom of which is frusto-conical in shape to form a. seat, a valve member mounted in said chamber having its lower surface frusto-conical in shape compleinental to the bottom of the chamber and adapted to be seated thereon, said valve member having a cage-like structure above the body portion comprising a plurality of arms extending upwardly from the body port-ion of the valve-member and an annulus connecting the upper ends of said arms, said cagelike structure being of such external diameter as to form a sliding fit in the internal chamber, the body portion of the valve member being of a diameter slightly less than that of the internal chamber, a bonnet mounted in the upper portion of the casing forming a closure for the top of the chamber, a spring adapted to hold said valve member in its raised position, means for adjustably connecting one end of said spring to the bonnet, means for rotatively connecting the other end of said spring to the valve member, a pipe connection member extending from the side wall of the casing and-having a port extending to the internal chamber, a plurality of pipe connection members extending from the lower portion of the casing having port-s passing directly to the valve seat without upward extensions, and the casing having a downwardly extending passageway communicating with the interior of the casing at the bottom of the valve seat.

9. In an automatic drain valve of the type in which the valve member is spring suspended within a casing having an internal cylindrical surface, a valve member having a cagelike structure above the body portion comprising a plurality of arms extending upwardly from the body portion of the valve member and an annulus connecting' the upper ends of said arms, the external surfaces of said arms and annulus being complemental to the internal surface of the casing, said cage like structure being of such external diameter as to form a sliding fit in the casing, and the body portion of the valve member being of a slightly smaller diameter.

10. In an automatic drain valve of the type in which the valve member is spring suspended within a casing having an internal Cylindrical surface, a valve member having its lower surface rusto-eonioal in shape and having a cage-like structure above the body portion comprising a plurality of arms extending upwardly from the body portion of the valve member and an annulus connecting the upper ends of said arms, the external surfaces of said arms and annulus being complemental to the internal surface of the casing, said cage-like structure being of such external diameter as to form a sliding fit in the casing, and the body portion of the valve member being of a slightly smaller diameter.

In testimony whereof, I have hereunto signed my name.

ROBERT H. GEORGE. 

